[mikethedruid]

Actually, the coil form I used was a plain old toilet paper tube, not PVC, although I figure PVC would work if the inside diameter were enough. Also, when doing the alignment, don't worry about the tone at which the RF is modulated, as long as it is easy to hear. My sig gen modulates at about 1000 CPS. The important frequency is the RF one, that needs to be as exact as possible. I double check mine with a small digital readout shortwave radio I have. For IF, I set the radio at double the IF frequency, for 455 KC, I set the radio to 910 KC, for 460 KC it would be 920 KC. I then tune my sig gen until I hear the max signal on the radio, then I know I am as close as I needs to be. For the AM band, I just use the exact frequency to double check my sig gen, the same with short wave bands. Have you tested the mixer oscillator tube in your set yet? That might be the problem. One piece of equipment you really need to invest in is a tube tester. They are more expensive than they were a few years ago, but you can still find one which works for less than $200. I advise replacing any electrolytic or paper condensers you find in it, but that should be about all it will need. Some will have a tube of their own inside and it may need to be replaced. They are usually not too difficult to work on, although they can be cramped inside. Be sure to look at it carefully. You will want one which tests the old type 4, 5, 6, and 7 pin tubes, as well as locktal and octal tubes. Many which test all these will also test 7 pin miniature tubes, although their tube charts may not list all the 7 pin tubes since these predate many of them.